History / social science honors-level courses

Course criteria & guidance

Beginning with the 2015-16 submission period, the following course
criteria are effective for honors-level courses seeking approval in the history /
social science ("a") subject area:

Honors-level
history / social science courses typically consist of courses in U.S.
government, U.S. history, European history, world history, world cultures and
geography. Such courses are expected to provide both breadth and depth of
exploration in the subject area and develop writing, research and analytical
skills. The courses must offer content and/or experience that are demonstrably
more challenging than what is offered through a regular college-preparatory
course in the same field. Factors considered for these honors courses include,
but are not limited to, the assignment and evaluation of one long or numerous
short, challenging, and properly annotated research papers, and a comprehensive
final examination. The use of college-level textbooks is encouraged. Regular
college-preparatory courses in the subject area must be offered, as well.